Before we start I must throw out a word of caution. There will be access restrictions in Boston over the weekend that will put big diversions on for anyone coming from the south and going to Freiston, or anyone from the north going to Frampton. More details can be found here. If you have any queries then please get in touch via this blog in the comments below, Twitter, Facebook or give the office a call on 01205 724678. I can't guarantee we'll be able to answer immediately but will do our best with any enquiries.
Hope the above doesn't put you off and you do manage to make time and stretch your legs with us. Here's a bi-weekly catch up and map to give you all of Frampton's hot spots for a weekend wander.
1. Hot on the heels of the recent press release and news about Titan, we are lucky enough to have regular turtle doves here. They are less obvious now that they are feeding young and aren't singing as frequently but a half hour on the footpath bench or by the reservoir should pick them up. Failing that then please feel free to check out the open yard near to the offices. There are some laws I must lay down though. This is a working farm so please do not block access or leave your vehicle. The latter is really in the best interests of you, the birds and your fellow observers. Turtle doves will easily flush if disturbed and while you may see them, others won't be so lucky, not cool. We advise you to park on the verge opposite the yard and stay in the car. Birds are used to cars doing this so will come down to feed. The farm can then be accessed and road users can pass safely on the inside. Everyone wins :)
2. There is currently a cracking black male ruff doing the rounds on the reserve. While it has been seen mainly on Middle Scrape, look out for it on the reedbed and Roads Farm grassland.
3. Continuing the sooty colour theme we also have a splendid spotted redshank in all his summer finery. He can be found in similar areas to the ruff and has a distinct chu-WIT call, so listen out for it.
4. Black-tailed godwit numbers are slowly on the up. Small parties can often be seen dropping down from the sky onto the reserve so fresh in from breeding grounds. Both limosa and islandica sub-species are present.
5. Like the turtle dove, our corn buntings are well looked for due to their plummeting populations. Listen and look out for them north of the reedbed and along the cross bank.
6. Garganey reports are a little sporadic due to their secretive nature and moult strategy at this time of. Males go into eclipse as they lose their flight feathers so like to lay low. The male and female have both been reported and are a good bird to 'find' when out and about.
7. The pair of green sandpipers that turned up a few weeks back are still around on Marsh Farm. As out ditches dry out they become ideal feeding habitat. Check the grassland from the cross bank in the afternoon with the sun behind you.
8. The painted lady is a migrant butterfly that we do well for here. They can be found just about anywhere including the heavily grazed sea bank but check the more sheltered cross back and reedbed trail.
9. Last year our bee orchids were well congregated around the sea bank sign near East Hide. This year they are far more dispersed along the path. We have a peak count of 48 spikes? Let the VC know if you do better.
Short and sweet this week but please peruse the blue links below for more details and regular updates.
That's all from me this week. Enjoy your weekend everyone, and if you can't wait 7 days to know what's going on here, keep your finger on the Lincolnshire Wash Reserves pulse by following us on Twitter and giving us a ‘like’ on Facebook. Alternatively if you enjoy taking pictures and have a Flickr account then please join our group and share your images with everyone. If you are thinking of paying a visit from near or far please do check out the tide times which can make a big difference to both numbers and variety of birds seen on the day.
The more you're out the more you see - https://twitter.com/BoyWonderBirder